[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 81 (Thursday, June 23, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: June 23, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                    A TRIBUTE TO DR. JAMES L. BROCK

                                 ______


                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 23, 1994

  Mr. PASTOR. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to the memory of Dr. 
James L. Brock, a man who dedicated his life to coaching the sport of 
baseball. Although he is no longer with us, his dedication has earned 
him top billing as one of the greatest collegiate coaches to ever grace 
the field. His peers consider him one of college baseball's coaching 
elite.
  Winning, baseball, and Jim Brock go hand in hand. In 1970 and 1971 he 
led his junior college clubs to national titles. In addition, he earned 
coach-of-the-year honors for both of those championship seasons. The 
winning tradition continued at Arizona State University, where Brock 
led his team straight to the top. In 23 years Coach Brock led the 
Arizona State University Sun Devil's baseball squads to 11 conference 
championships and 2 national titles. Twenty-two of his twenth-three 
years with Arizona State were winning seasons. Thirteen times he led 
his team to appearances in the College World Series. With 1,100 wins at 
Arizona State, Jim is the seventh winningest coach in NCAA Division I 
baseball history. Coach Brock has the second-best win average in NCAA 
history with 47.8 wins per season. These grand accomplishments did not 
go unnoticed, for Coach Brock was named National Coach of the Year in 
1977, 1981, 1984, and 1988. He was the only coach ever to win national 
titles at three major levels: The NCAA, junior college, and American 
Legion.
  Jim Brock was not only a winner in baseball, but a winner in the game 
of life. He held the highest of principles and values and he passed 
these attributes on to his players and colleagues. Dr. Brock's most 
important coaching job was assuring that his players achieved success 
in the classroom as well as on the field. This was a role he took upon 
himself as the baseball program's academic liaison. Coach Brock was 
filled with an enthusiasm for education. He believed there was nothing 
more important than education. This is evident in the fact that he 
earned a bachelor's and master's degrees, as well as a doctorate in 
educational administration, all from Arizona State University.
  On the field, Coach Brock was always a force. He lived by the credos 
``Commitment to Excellence'' and ``Just win, baby.'' This attitude 
personified him and the entire Sun Devil baseball program. He proved to 
be a source of tremendous motivation, continuously reminding his team 
to seek the smell of roses. He was a great mentor to players, assistant 
coaches, and staff. His knowledge and invaluable advice was constantly 
sought after. Coach Brock always stood by his team; coaching, cheering, 
and sharing his love of the game with them. Over 63 of his players 
reached baseball's major leagues. Some of his more well-known players 
are Barry Bonds, Oddibe McDowell, Bob Horner, Hubie Brooks, Floyd 
Bannister, Ken Landreaux, Alvin Davis, and Pat Listach. Baseball is 
what made Coach Jim Brock happy.
  Baseball will miss Dr. James L. Brock. A man filled with a never-
ending dedication and love of a game--baseball. He has left his mark on 
our national pastime and it gives me great pleasure to highlight the 
accomplishments of this great man to my colleagues. All of us from 
Arizona and college baseball share in the loss of the Brock family. Dr. 
Brock made Arizona State baseball a dynasty, and we will be forever in 
his debt.

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